Dolphins lose three more defensive players to injuries, including two starters
An injury-ravaged Dolphins team lost three more defensive players, including two starters, during Sunday’s loss to Buffalo.
Linebacker Jerome Baker sustained a wrist injury during Sunday’s game and is out for the remainder of the playoffs. He had surgery on Monday. Baker returned Sunday after missing four games with a sprained MCL.
Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel sustained a foot injury in the third quarter and also will miss Miami’s playoff opener at Kansas City at 8 p.m. Saturday (NBC-6, Peacock) and the duration of the postseason.
And outside linebacker Cameron Goode, a key special teams player, sustained a torn patellar tendon and is out for many months.
Meanwhile, cornerback Xavien Howard appears unlikely to play in Kansas City because of a foot injury.
“It would be fair to say we are not planning for” Howard to play on Saturday, coach Mike McDaniel said.
“Very heavy hearts for the individuals” involved, McDaniel said.
McDaniel said Van Ginkel’s play this season was “inspiring. This guy seized every opportunity.”
The Dolphins likely will need to add defensive players this week.
They’re down to Duke Riley, David Long Jr. and seldom-using Channing Tindall at inside linebacker.
They’re down to Melvin Ingram and Emmanuel Ogbah at outside linebacker.
McDaniel said the team will explore outside personnel options.
McDaniel said he’s optimistic that running back Raheem Mostert and receiver Jaylen Waddle will play in Kansas City after missing two games with ankle injuries.
“Waddle and Raheem had the aspirations to go, but from the medical staff’s perspective, [they concluded] their vulnerabilities would lead them to not finish the game or not be available for the next game,” McDaniel said. “We’re trying to do right by them.”
McDaniel addressed other issues:
▪ On the outlook for Saturday’s game at Kansas City (8 p.m., Peacock): “We are one of the 14 teams that still has games. You try to harness all of your emotion, thoughts and coming together for that goal [of winning in postseason].... The team will be fired up to go embrace the challenge.”
▪ He shrugged off concerns about the expected zero degree weather in Kansas City on Saturday night.
▪ On Tyreek Hill dropping some passes recentIy: “It’s not like he’s gliding in the open field. They’re pretty contested. There are zero people concerned about a pattern.”
▪ Safety Jevon Holland remains limited with knee issues; he played only part of the Buffalo game.
“We’re trying to get him in peak performance for the game,” McDaniel said.
This story was originally published January 8, 2024 at 4:50 PM.
